Crusader: No remorse

Non-stop action. How does this game manage to do it in modern times?

Crusader: No Remorse is a largely forgotten gem from the 90s. A few dedicated fans still keep the flame alive, but for the most part it has faded from players' memories. So what is it? The game has a very distinctive visual style: it feels like a 3D title with sprites rendered from 3D models, yet everything is actually 2D. The action unfolds in a striking isometric view, with character and environment art that still looks impressive. Its story and world draw heavily on cyberpunk themes, echoing the tone of films like Terminator and Robocop. Even for those who are not usually into cyberpunk, this one is easy to appreciate.

Story of the game? The best kind: you are Silencer, an elite soldier driven by vengeance and overflowing with adrenaline. The mission is simple: shoot, blow everything to pieces, and occasionally rescue civilians along the way. All of this unfolds to one of the most memorable soundtracks of its era. Between intense firefights, numerous live-action cutscenes with real actors deliver key information and move the story forward. Battle through diverse levels and take advantage of an extensive arsenal of weapons. This adds significant strategic depth to the game, offering many different ways to approach each encounter. 

Both the PC and PS1 versions of the game have been played for this review. The PC version is available on GOG, but it lacks native controller support and can feel quite overwhelming at first while learning all the keyboard controls. With a bit of patience and time investment, however, the game becomes very rewarding. The PS1 release is a downgraded port, as was common for that era, but for those who prefer using a controller, it is a very solid option. As a former console player, a controller feels more natural for this game and adds a lot of fun to the overall experience. 

This game comes with a strong recommendation. Push through the awkward controls for the first 20–30 minutes and it really starts to open up and become a lot of fun. Much like GTA, if it were released today as an indie title with refined controls, it would undoubtedly be a success story.